a tricky challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that is difficult and requires careful thought or skill to navigate. Example: "Completing the puzzle was a tricky challenge that tested everyone's problem-solving abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Parents face a tricky challenge.

The New York Times

11.26am: The Dutch parliament face a tricky challenge today.

The Guardian - Business

The design of humanoid robots has been a tricky challenge for several years.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

It is a tricky challenge: Coupe is not really the new boy, even though he only took charge in July.

The Guardian

That's a tricky challenge, since the louder music becomes, and the more obtrusive its beats, the more that intelligibility and melodic subtlety tend to fall by the wayside.

The New York Times - Arts

The Simpson story requires re-creating and filming the Tour de France in the 1960s, a tricky challenge, "but I'm not scared of it any more," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A trickier challenge will be disciplining the hordes of soccer supporters once the season really gets rolling.

The New York Times

The Republican attacks, whether from Mr. McCain or the conservative blogosphere, present a trickier challenge for Democrats.

The New York Times

Staying in the dugout proved a trickier challenge for the man who played 371 games for the club over a 10-year period and twice the officials had to remind him to stay in his technical area after forays towards the corner flag.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a particularly tricky challenge.

Yale University

With Indonesia, Mr. Obama faces a similarly tricky challenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky challenge", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the challenge difficult. Be specific about the skills or knowledge required to overcome it.

Common error

Avoid using "a tricky challenge" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply labeling something as tricky, elaborate on the specific aspects that make it so, providing concrete details for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky challenge" functions as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies the noun "challenge", adding a layer of complexity or difficulty to the task or situation described. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tricky challenge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe situations requiring careful thought and skill. Ludwig AI highlights its broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While "tricky" implies a need for finesse, it's important to provide specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a difficult undertaking" or "a complex problem" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase enjoys widespread use and recognition, making it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult undertaking

Replaces "challenge" with "undertaking", emphasizing the effort required.

a complex problem

Substitutes "tricky challenge" with "complex problem", focusing on the intricate nature of the issue.

a delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for sensitivity and care in handling the challenge.

a demanding task

Highlights the high level of effort and skill required.

a formidable obstacle

Presents the challenge as a significant barrier to overcome.

a knotty issue

Replaces "tricky" with "knotty", suggesting a complex and tangled problem.

a perplexing puzzle

Presents the challenge as something that is confusing and requires careful thought.

a thorny question

Similar to "knotty issue", but uses "thorny" to imply potential pain or difficulty.

a tough proposition

Highlights the difficulty and potential risk involved.

an intricate endeavor

Replaces "challenge" with "endeavor", emphasizing the scale and complexity of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "a tricky challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "a tricky challenge" to describe something that requires skill and careful handling. For example, "Negotiating the contract proved to be a tricky challenge".

What can I say instead of "a tricky challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult undertaking", "a complex problem", or "a delicate situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a tricky challenge" or "a difficult challenge"?

"A tricky challenge" and "a difficult challenge" are often interchangeable. "Tricky" implies a need for cleverness or finesse, while "difficult" simply suggests something hard to overcome.

What makes a challenge "tricky"?

A challenge is "tricky" when it requires more than just hard work; it demands careful planning, clever strategy, or a unique approach to solve it successfully.